“Greg knows what it is,” Drummond said at the Mendenhall Center on the UNLV campus. “I’ve told him multiple times that he needs to come on home.

“I need him there, and all the guys would love to have him back as well. At the end of the day, he’s got to do what’s best for him and his family.

“I still have high hopes, and I’m pretty sure he is coming home, so I’m excited for this season.”

Drummond might just be wishful thinking. He’s clearly fond of Monroe.

Or maybe Drummond knows something. He and Monroe are obviously in contact.

Either way, Monroe – as he always has been – remains likely to return to Detroit. He’s a restricted free agent, and this late in the summer, it’s unlikely another team – the 76ers or Suns – gives him a large offer sheet. The Pistons would probably match anyway. A sign-and-trade isn’t off the table, but trade partners are also drying up.